Chahar withdrew from the upcoming ODI series citing a family emergency, while Shami, whose participation in the Test series was contingent upon fitness clearance, has been ruled out by the BCCI Medical Team.
The Indian selection committee introduced modifications to the ODI and Test squads ahead of the South Africa series. Fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who was provisionally named in the two-match Test series squad, failed to recover his fitness in time and has been ruled out by the BCCI from the Test series starting December 26.
The BCCI confirmed Shami’s exclusion, stating, “Mohd. Shami, whose participation in the Test series was subject to fitness has not been cleared by the BCCI Medical Team and the fast bowler is ruled out of the two Tests.” Shami, the top wicket-taker in the recent ODI World Cup with 24 dismissals, sustained an ankle injury during the tournament.
Changes continued in the ODI squad for India as medium pacer Deepak Chahar withdrew due to a family emergency, replaced by Akash Deep from the India A side in South Africa. The BCCI confirmed Chahar’s unavailability, stating, “Mr Deepak Chahar has informed the BCCI that he will not be available for the upcoming ODI series due to a family medical emergency. The Men’s Selection Committee has named Mr Akash Deep as his replacement.”
Additionally, Shreyas Iyer will play only the series-opening ODI on December 17, after which he’ll join the Test squad, foregoing participation in the remaining ODIs.
India’s updated ODI squad: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Tilak Varma, Rajat Patidar, Rinku Singh, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (C)(wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Akash Deep
Last Updated on December 16, 2023
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